Dealing with Florida Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers After a Car Accident
When an uninsured driver hits you, not only are you left with serious injuries and property damage, but you may also have to face the frustration of figuring out how to recover financially.
The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. regularly represents accident victims dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers. Our experienced Florida car accident lawyers understand the complications of such cases and the importance of full financial recovery. We can assess your situation and explore all available options to seek legal relief.
Steps To Take After Florida Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers Cause a Car Accident
Unfortunately, Florida is among the top states with the highest percentage of uninsured motorists, with almost 27 percent of drivers not having liability insurance coverage. If you are involved in a collision anywhere in the state, there is a good chance the other party involved may not be covered. Even if they have insurance, their coverage may not be enough to compensate you for your losses.
In such scenarios, you still have options, and you should always review them with a Florida car accident lawyer.
Max Out Your PIP Coverage
When protecting yourself after an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident in Florida, one of the most important steps is to maximize your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage is required by law in Florida and provides compensation for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from an auto accident, regardless of fault.
By maximizing your no-fault PIP coverage, you are ensuring you have the financial resources to cover any medical expenses and lost income that may arise from an accident. This coverage can be highly beneficial, especially in situations where the other driver involved in the accident does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage to fully compensate you for your losses.
In Florida, the minimum PIP coverage required by law is $10,000. However, it is highly recommended to increase this coverage to its maximum limit, which is often $25,000 or higher. By doing so, you are providing yourself with an additional layer of protection and peace of mind in case of an accident.
Seek a Third-Party Claim When Possible
If the at-fault driver has some insurance and you have serious enough injuries, you can seek as much compensation as possible based on their policy limits. Your car accident lawyer can prove liability and your damages to seek as maximum recovery from their insurer. If the other driver is completely uninsured, you will likely skip this step of the process.
Turn to Your UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is an essential component of your auto insurance policy, especially in a state like Florida where the rates of uninsured drivers are particularly high. This coverage steps in to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that you may incur as a result of the accident.
UM/UIM coverage is not automatically included in your auto insurance policy in Florida. You need to actively add this coverage to your policy to ensure you are protected. Consulting a knowledgeable car accident attorney can ensure you pursue a claim properly with your provider, as you must prove the other driver was at fault to succeed.
Contact an Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
Handling an accident with Florida uninsured or underinsured drivers does not have to leave you stranded financially. If you have the right legal representation and assistance, you can protect yourself financially and emotionally. The legal team at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. is ready to provide personalized support in your journey to justice. Contact us online or call 239-500-5000 today to request a free case review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Accidents Involving Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers in Florida
What should I do after a Florida uninsured driver accident?
Maximize your PIP coverage, seek a third-party claim if possible, and turn to your UM/UIM coverage. Contact a Florida car accident lawyer for guidance.
Is UM/UIM coverage required in Florida?
No, UM/UIM coverage is not automatically included in Florida auto insurance policies. You must actively add it to your policy for protection against uninsured drivers.
What is PIP coverage in Florida and how does it help in an uninsured driver accident?
PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is required in Florida and covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. It is crucial to maximize PIP coverage to protect yourself financially when dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers.
